SWEET F.A. - The Story of the Right to Play Football

 

Winning, working women won’t you hear what we’ve tae say

We work our hands unto the bones for a quarter less in pay

We started our own football teams and showed them how to play

But when we ask for equal rights we’re given Sweet F.A.

 

1916. The men fight on the Western Front. The women work in the factories, and form football teams, playing other factory teams across Scotland and raising money for the war effort. Women’s football fast becomes the most popular game in the land. Worried that their game is starting to rival the men’s, the football authorities ban the women’s game in 1921.

Sweet F.A. tells the story of one women’s factory football team from Fountainbridge, fighting for their right to play the beautiful game.

Following their acclaimed productions of A War of Two Halves at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018 and 2019, the producers present a new play at Tynecastle Park for the Edinburgh Fringe 2021. Written by Paul Beeson & Tim Barrow, Sweet F.A. is directed by Bruce Strachan, Artistic Director of Nonsense Room Productions, with original music composed by Matthew Brown.

 “We are thrilled to be returning to Tynecastle Park with a brand new production, telling this timely tale of the rise of women’s football during the First World War. After an uncertain, disrupted time it feels more vital than ever to bring people together to tell stories. We’re grateful to Hearts for allowing us to take advantage of the outdoor, covered facilities in the main stand at Tynecastle, and we immensely look forward to meeting Tynecastle audiences again, telling this important story about women’s football – including its historical connection to the ground. We vividly remember the brilliant reception they gave A War of Two Halves and they, and new audiences, can expect a similar blend of history, humour, passion and poignancy from this brilliant tale. ”

                                                Bruce Strachan, Director

Heart of Midlothian Football Club welcomes audiences to their stadium, the historic Tynecastle Park:

 “I thought the last play was outstanding – top notch acting – in fact, it was that good I went back and watched it 3 times! Really looking forward to the new one, and I would recommend everyone to get along to see it.”

                                                Gary Locke, Club Ambassador, Heart of Midlothian Football Club

 “We’re delighted to be able to welcome back the team from This is My Story Productions with a brand-new story to tell.  The resurgence of women’s football in the early 20^th Century, to huge popularity, and the subsequent barriers and bans by authorities had a huge and lasting impact.  Sweet FA manages to brilliantly capture the spirit of those war years and deliver a little bit of history with some real laugh out loud moments.  Something I think we’re all in need of just now.”

                                                Lianne Parry, Head of Heritage, Heart of Midlothian Football Club

 Sweet F.A. plays from Thursday 5^th August to Monday 30^th August 2021, with shows at 3pm and 7:30pm each day (some days without shows due to football fixtures – to be confirmed). The production is suitable for ages 12 and upwards, and has been designed to be compatible with the latest Covid-secure requirements for events, and takes place outside in the concourses and Main Stand at Tynecastle Park.

 

Tickets will be available from:

Edinburgh Fringe – www.edfringe.com  

Universe Events – www.universe.com/users/heart-of-midlothian-football-club-4GP5VW